How process, persistence, and people fueled Cole Erdman’s first year as a Maaco franchise owner
Cole Erdman left the corporate world for franchise ownership — surviving fire, hurricanes, and surprise breakdowns to drive double-digit growth and a shop culture that feels like family.
Cole Erdman’s first day as a Maaco franchise owner was a trial by fire — literally.
Before 10 a.m., the Charleston native faced an electrical fire at his new shop. That was followed by a hurricane the next week, and a paint booth breakdown the week after that.
“It definitely felt like more than the usual challenges of opening a business,” Cole recalled, laughing. “But I had the mentality of, ‘Let’s go. We’ll figure it out.’”
That series of surprises would prove symbolic for his first year as a Maaco owner: unpredictable, fast-moving, and — in the end — highly rewarding.
Eager for entrepreneurship
Before becoming a Maaco owner, Cole spent years building a successful career. As Head of Quality for Mercedes-Benz, he thrived in the structured, process-driven world of manufacturing. Ultimately, he couldn't ignore the pull he felt toward owning his own business.
“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” Cole explained. “I was getting to the point where I needed to do something on my own or risk feeling too old to make that move.”
He started exploring franchise opportunities, looking for a balance of independence and structure. Then, he found Maaco and its unique mix of brand reputation, training, and ongoing support.
“I didn’t want to be just a number,” Cole said. “Once I shared my background with the Maaco team, I think we both knew it was a good fit. And after training, it was clear: this is where I needed to be.”
Results through resilience
Cole took over his Charleston shop from a long-time Maaco owner ready to retire. After he completed the franchisee onboarding process, he officially took over operations in July 2024.
Although opening week brought more chaos than he could have predicted, Cole wasted no time putting his process-driven background to work. Investing in tools, training, and workflow improvements, he first focused on streamlining the paint line and then improving efficiency in the body shop. A true believer in people, Cole also made sure his employees— all of whom stayed through the ownership transition — had what they needed to succeed.
“I’m a firm believer that it’s easier to train than it is to rehire,” he said. “We kept everyone on board, and now we’re like a big, dysfunctional family.”
Results quickly followed. In Cole’s first 12 months as an owner, sales at the shop increased 44% year over year, while car count rose 21%, and the average repair order climbed 18%. Cole also led the shop through platinum certification, creating new opportunities in fleet work.
Building a culture of care
For Cole, success is always about more than numbers. Building a shop culture where employees feel supported is just as critical.
He recalled the first day of school last year, when six children of shop employees waited in the customer lounge so that their parents could still be part of the excitement. Customers noted the children and admired the family support made possible by the shop’s commitment to work-life balance.
That family spirit extends to leadership. The shop manager, Monique, has grown into an inspirational and dynamic leader under Cole’s mentorship.
“The potential was always there, but she just needed someone to guide her. Now, she’s like a daughter to me,” he said. “The running joke is that I sign the checks, but she runs the shop. Customers love her, and the team respects her. That’s everything.”
Backed by the brand
While Cole is thrilled by the shop’s success, he knows it didn’t happen in a vacuum. From weekly calls with his operations coach to collaborative problem-solving sessions with fellow franchisees, the Maaco team has been vital.
“With Maaco, you don’t feel alone,” Cole said. “Whether it’s a technical question or just the need to vent, there’s always someone to call. That makes a huge difference.”
The road ahead
In Charleston, plans for the future are already underway. Cole’s long-term vision is to continue building his footprint as an operator of multiple shops in the region.
A simple philosophy will guide that growth: every car matters.
“Our culture is that every car that goes out has our name on it,” Cole explained. “If a customer finds a defect before we do, we’ve lost control. But if we fix it before it leaves, we’ve done our job. That’s why customers come back—and why they send their friends and family.”
So, with growth stemming from investment in both people and process—along with a dash of persistence through unexpected trials—Cole and the Charleston shop are ready for the road ahead.
And if their first year is any indication, it looks like smooth driving.